While some stakeholders have expressed concern the continuous police presence on the streets evokes memories of martial law, business groups have welcomed it, saying it makes them feel safer.
In a vlog on Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the streets are now better secured by the PNP with its “Cops on the Beat” program.
Makati Business Club executive director Apa Ongpin said the group welcomed the improved police visibility in Metro Manila, “which we believe is a response to the reports of increased petty crimes in the first quarter.”
The “Cops on the Beat” program, launched on 30 May, aims to enhance police visibility and public trust, ensuring that officers patrol communities and respond swiftly to crime incidents.
Some 21,000 policemen have been deployed in Metro Manila, 2,000 in Central Luzon, and 70,000 nationwide to patrol high-density areas to deter crime and ensure the public safety.
“We had recently recommended this response to the police and local governments,” Ongpin said in a text message to DAILY TRIBUNE.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Enunina Mangio noted that police visibility is good for business and the country.
“This is to make our citizens feel safe and secure. We need police visibility to frighten the criminals and bad elements. This exercise will surely reduce crime on the streets,” Mangio said.
Meanwhile, Employers Confederation of the Philippines chairperson Edgardo Lacson said the police presence on the streets is a dramatic change.
“The public should welcome and get used to their presence as it is a deterrence against petty criminals, pickpockets, holduppers, ‘tambays’ (loiterers), and troublemakers. It’s also a sign that public funds for the police are finally being put to good use — unlike before, when people joked about invisible policemen, like in the song ‘may pulis sa ilalim ng tulay,’” Lacson said.
He likened the improved police visibility to what Hong Kong is doing, where pairs of officers patrol busy streets throughout the day, “which assures the public of peace and order, and security.”